What Causes the Car Not to Move After Shifting to Reverse Gear?
2 Answers
Possible reasons for the vehicle's reverse gear malfunction may include transmission valve body failure, gear position sensor failure, reverse gear clutch or brake failure, or computer board failure. Here is relevant information: 1. The issue of the vehicle not moving after shifting to reverse gear is mainly caused by the driver's poor driving habits, as well as inadequate maintenance. First, check whether the gear is fully engaged. Many vehicles require pressing or lifting the gear lever to prevent accidental shifting into reverse gear. If the gear cannot be engaged, check whether there are any foreign objects in the gear slot that may be obstructing the gear engagement. 2. Operational errors should be ruled out first, and then consider whether there is a vehicle malfunction. The malfunction may be due to a reverse gear oil circuit leak, reverse gear and high gear clutch failure, or a brake failure.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have seen plenty of cases where the vehicle doesn't move in reverse. The most common issue is the handbrake not being fully released—many people overlook this when they're in a hurry to reverse. Another thing to check is whether you're on a slope; if the transmission fluid is insufficient or degraded, the hydraulic system won't function properly. For manual transmissions, consider whether the clutch plate is worn out—you might hear a clicking sound when shifting gears, but the power isn't being transmitted. Automatic transmissions are more complex; issues like a stuck reverse solenoid valve or debris clogging the valve body can cause this. Older cars might have worn-out transmission mount bushings, causing the entire transmission to tilt and preventing the gearshift mechanism from engaging properly. If you encounter this situation, shut off the engine immediately and avoid forcing it. It's safest to call a tow truck and have it checked at a repair shop.
